Sunday Hugs

Yesterday, I spent time with the furry friends from the East! I went to Barkin’ Blends Sta. Lucia branch for some quality time with dogs.

I was warmly welcomed by Reese. 

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I also missed Robin, my favorite golden retriever. 

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Julia took a nap on my lap, and I felt very sleepy too. 

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Bucci kept me awake when Julia woke up. She is still a puppy, and likes running around and begging for belly rubs. 

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A hug from Martha before I left the cafe warmed my heart. 

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After playing with my furry friends, I had some chicken mami from Ma’s Chicken Mami House.  

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Then, I purchased some budget-friendly pocket notebooks for my bullet journal setup. 

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I was delighted with their paper bag, which features a woman with a pixie- and she kind of reminds me of myself! 

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I completed my Papemelroti purchase with new stainless steel earrings. 

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By giving myself the entire Sunday to play with dogs, eat comfort food, and buy little things that make me happy, I am experiencing joy which will fuel me for the rest of the week. 

Here’s to more Sunday hugs in the future!

Happy Monday

I had a busy Monday. I found myself at Power Plant Mall yesterday for lunch, so I brought my starving self to Shawa Wama. 

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I ordered the red beet falafel rice meal with a side order of fried cauli. It was delicious!

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I later proceeded to Trinoma in Quezon City for a meeting. Later for dinner, I treated myself to this beautiful chicken and pasta plate from World Chicken. This outlet in the mall never fails to please me with their flavorful chicken and generous sides. 

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And before calling it a day, I spent time with my favorite dog Ella and her friends at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. It is always a lovely time with these fur babies who love being with humans.  

Having a good Monday is a state of mind. Even if I’m busy, I find myself eating the food that I want, knitting, and swinging by my usual dog cafe. Life is too short, so let’s make our Mondays count! 

Knots and Dogs

Yesterday was my first visit to Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe since my dad’s passing. It was bittersweet because I was at their other branch when my dad passed away. I felt the healing power of dogs and their dedication is admirable. Of course, the first doggo I hugged was my favorite one, Ella.  

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Later during the day, I finished crocheting the scarf I was making using one of the yarns from my Rosario Yarn Adventure

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With dogs and crafts, I know that I will be able to carry on just fine.  

Comfort in Sadness

My helper Racquel and I attended a healing mass yesterday to pray for my terminally-ill father. It was held at the Blessed Ivan Merz Reliquarium in Marikina City.  

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After mass, we proceeded to Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe to unwind over food, milk tea, and dogs!

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I was in the company of angels tonight. Thank God for dogs, people who can help, and loved ones who care.  

Happy birthday Ella!

Today is Ella’s fifth birthday! Since it’s Maundy Thursday, and Barkin’ Blends is closed, I visited her a day early to give her warm cuddles. 

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I also celebrated with the other dogs, such as Ella’s son Chocnut. 

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Five years ago, I was scared of dogs. Everything changed when I met a little black chiweenie named Ella who taught me how to love dogs like her. Here’s to more years with her and her pack! 

Coffee with these dogs is always a good idea.  

Squad Goals

I visited Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe last Wednesday night to hug my doggo friends. It’s no secret that I’m going through a lot with my dad’s terminal illness, and I find that being with dogs keeps my spirits up. 

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It’s important that I have my happy place to go to whenever life gets too much to handle. It just so happened that mine has dogs and a lot of love. 

I’ll be back soon! 

Fuzzy Sunday

Yesterday, I got to spend time with my tiny doggo friends at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe at SM North Towers.  

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My favorite girl Ella was there to play and cuddle over coffee.  

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After my furry coffee date, I proceeded to Anonas to visit Cinema ‘76.  

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I watched Five Feet Apart, a heartbreaking film about two teenagers with Cystic Fibrosis. 

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I got to pray at St. Joseph’s Shrine before going home.  

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Before I knew it, I was homeward bound. I got to hug some dogs, watch a movie, and pray. I had a lovely Sunday, and I look forward to having a variation of again soon.  

Healing and Hugs

Yesterday, I got to enjoy my day after my transformation of work conference at AIM.

I checked out the Peek-a-Book exhibition at the Ayala Museum for my first stop.  

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Here are my favorites: 

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Then, I got myself some milk tea from Teaberi. Their cup looks fab with my cozy from The Attic Yarn and Craftery! 

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I went for some pampering at a salon.  

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I got myself some trendy hairpins! 

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I rode the MRT and the LRT.  

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Then, it was cuddle time with my furry friends at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe Sta. Lucia branch. 

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I ended my day with a healing mass officiated by Fr. Fernando Suarez. 

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I prayed for my terminally-ill father, as well as for my jobhunting journey.  

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It doesn’t take much to make me happy. I just need some art, hugs, and healing from the challenges that each day brings. With faith and positivity, I know that I got this.  

Barkin’ Hour

I had some time to spare after my conference at ADB the other day, so I went to my happy place- Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe at SM North Towers!

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I was happily greeted by my favorite dog Ella, who enthusiastically gave me kisses.  

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My Barkin’ Blends visits were never sponsored. I simply love going there to de-stress and play with their doggos.  

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Their tiny poodle, Coco, is also a frequent playmate.  

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I can’t wait to go back! The cafe has become my sojourn from the demands of adulthood. I think this is a fabulous place to relax over a glass of lemonade or a cup of coffee. 

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‘Til next time, Barkin’ Blends! 

Barkin’ Thursday

Yesterday, I went to Barkin’ Blends Sta. Lucia branch to decompress with the big dogs!

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While I am a frequent visitor at their SM North Towers branch, I also missed their bigger breeds. It was worth the trip, as I got to cuddle with almost all of their resident doggos. 

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Time spent with the dogs will always be priceless. I can’t wait to play with them again!

Valentine’s 2019

Yesterday, I started Valentine’s Day by knitting while waiting for lunch to be served. My family and I had lunch at Japan Fūdo Street, and we had a lovely time! 

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I had my usual order, the oyakodon. It’s delicious and flavorful.  

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After lunch, I went to St. Clare Monastery to lift up my intentions and give thanks to the Lord for all the blessings that I continue to receive.  

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I was welcomed by friendly doggos who don’t seem to mind my presence, even if I’m there almost weekly! 

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Of course, I had to cuddle my favorite doggo Ella on heart’s day.  

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I was also lucky to receive chocolates from the owners of Barkin’ Blends. Thank you! 

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I had a soy honey refresher from Soy Yummy and I was pleased to meet a deaf employee there. I am happy that more businesses are employing special needs staff. They deserve equal opportunities in the workforce.  

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I had early dinner at Falafel Yo! I was pleasantly surprised with their pita fries. They’re yummy!

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Before going home, I got to listen to some acoustic love songs at the free gig inside the mall.  

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I even received a free pastillas rose from the mall management. Thank you! 

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I came home to a package from Lazada. My yarn bowl has arrived safely.  

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It’s nicer in person, and it fits all my yarns!

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I am happy with my Valentine’s Day celebration this year. I got to knit, pray, spend time with doggos, eat out, and gift myself with more crafting. Life is good, and I am so blessed. 

Purposeful Saturday

Yesterday, I attended a meeting for a brand that I have been supporting for many years now. It was fun to interact with other ladies who also advocate for the brand. I can’t wait to see how our ideas can translate to better marketing strategies for this brand, and I certainly look forward to more collaborations with this brand in the future on an advocate basis. 

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The meeting surprised me, because I realized that I have so many ideas to contribute and share. I am truly passionate about this brand because it gives back to communities that need work. It empowers people through dignified wages. And as both a core advocate and an end user, I am happy to help them improve by sharing my expertise. 

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After my fruitful meeting, I went to Barkin’ Blends to spend time with their friendly resident doggos. 

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It warms my heart that my favorite doggo, Ella, is always this excited to welcome me to the cafe. 

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Spending time with her and the other doggos is priceless, and the comfort they bring is second to none. 

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For dinner, I had Tapa King, which is a favorite from my childhood.  

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I also had a cookies and cream frappe from Farron Cafe. It was delicious!

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And before going home, I watched The Girl in the Orange Dress at Cinema Centenario. It always feels like home for me in this microcinema. I have a favorite seat there (G5!), and it’s the best way to end a productive day. 

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I’ll always support brands that promote goodness and purposeful living in my own way. And in the course of my journey, I’ll find ways to unwind by spending time with dogs and supporting local films. Here’s to more purposeful Saturdays!

Chinese New Year 2019

Yesterday, I started Chinese New Year with a visit to the Pink Sisters. 

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Then, I played with my furry friends at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe!

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I also got some souvenirs from Thailand from Ate Tina, one of the owners of Barkin’ Blends who has since become one of my good friends. 

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I treated myself to a matcha soy refresher. 

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For late lunch, I had a Falafel Yo! with no chili. 

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I had a simple Chinese New Year celebration which I began with prayer. I hope that this year will be my best one yet!

Dogs and Food

The other day, I was determined to have a great day before my dad entered the hospital again (he is terminally-ill).  

I started my Thursday with a burger from this kiosk at the mall. It was delicious!  

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Then, I got this postcard from Papemelroti. I sent it via snail mail to a customer at my online shop (please buy Human Nature products from me!

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I spent my afternoon cuddling my favorite doggos at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. 

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Ella (the dog that captured my heart years ago) is an expert at cheering me up! 

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Apparently, Ella and my new buddy Stitch are friends.  

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Ella’s son Chocnut also offered his warm furry body for me to cuddle.  

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It was also my first time to hug Raven the corgi.  

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Yes, it was difficult to leave.  

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I bought socks to remind me of my doggo friends wherever I go.  

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Then, I got a honey soy refresher from Soy Yummy! It was really yummy! 

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And for snack, I for Nacho King. I was brought back to my grade school days. 

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And for late dinner, I drove to Army Navy (thank God it’s 24 hours!) for some adobo flakes. So good!  

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It’s up to us to find ways to keep going amidst trials. We just have to find the perfect formula that works. For me, it’s doggo + food. I hope you’ll also find yours! 

Sunday Paws

Yesterday, I crocheted while waiting for my lunch at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. I had the Bonnie Burger and a wintermelon milk tea. I missed this combo so much because food and milk tea are only available at the Sta. Lucia branch (I frequent the SM North Towers branch more because it’s closer to my house).  

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I also missed the bigger doggos who are mainstays at Sta. Lucia. 

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I also met Shadow, a rescued black Labrador who was abandoned at the vet. She was left behind after her original owners broke up. Now, she has a happy disposition at her new home.  

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Another rescued dog is Potchi the pug, who has only one eye.  

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All of their dogs are still so sweet and caring.  

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I had some tokneneng (deep fried quail eggs) for snack...

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...and some calamansi juice to perk me up.  

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I ended my day with Sunday mass at St. Clare Monastery.  

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Before driving home, I enjoyed a large cup of sour cheese fries from Potato Corner.  

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Life is too short. We should make time to be with beings that cheer us up, for worship, and for cheat meals. Treat yourself within your means on weekends, and watch yourself take on the world during the workweek. 

Journey to Faith

Yesterday, I rode a couple of trains to... 

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...St. Clare Monastery! I gave thanks and prayed for my personal intentions.  

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I had a hearty and healthful lunch. The Wild Wild West salad from Go! Salads was so delicious. The ranch dressing definitely brought a unique punch to my midday.  

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I continued to do some work on my phone while cuddling with the dogs of Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. I was welcomed by my favorite dog, Ella the chiweenie. 

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Stark the pomsky was camera-shy. 

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I also bonded with Ella’s son Chocnut and Happy the pug.  

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It was hard to say goodbye even if I’m a frequent guest at the cafe.  

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Before going to bed, I transferred these two scents into travel perfume bottles from Beabi. I was proud of myself for finding a way to transfer the DKNY perfume to the smaller bottle as it was difficult to open. Thank God for online forums, and I was able to research how to open the bottle.  

Both scents were Christmas gifts to me.  

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I restore my faith by continuously praying, communing with nature (in the form of furry dogs), and surprising myself with a new skill (even if it’s as simple as transferring perfume). Life is a journey, but it can be easier with some faith and belief in oneself. 

Doing Good with Doggos

Yesterday, I had the Sgt. Steak salad again at Go! Salads. I am addicted to their chimichurri dressing. I simply can’t get enough of it.  

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After my hearty meal, I proceeded to Human Nature to purchase my personal necessities and get orders for my customers. 

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You too can support me and my family by making a purchase at my Human Nature online store! To all those who have already purchased, thank you for your support! Please continue patronizing my small business, and I hope that you will spread the word about my shop. 

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To cheer myself up after spending time with at the hospital with my terminally-I’ll father, I visited Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe to hug my furry friends. 

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I’m wearing a fabric mask because I can’t afford to catch airborne sicknesses! My dad has very weak immunity, so I need to be in tip-top shape.  

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I went back to Go! Salads to try another selection from their menu. This time, I had the Bayani Salad, which is known for its adobo flakes. I liked it, but I think I’m more of a Sgt. Steak girl. 

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Before going to bed, I depotted my Sunnies Face Fluffmatte lipstick in Hot Sauce. While the lipstick brand is known to break easily, it’s color payoff and opacity are out of this world. I had to salvage what’s left of my tube by transferring it in a 3ml jar, microwaving it for two minutes to set it in the container, and letting it cool on room temperature. 

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I have chosen local products and produce today. Human Nature is a social enterprise, so each purchase benefits a poor community that the company supports. Go! Salads supports farmers and ensures that their produce is pesticide-free. Barkin’ Blends welcomes people of all ages, genders, and statuses in life. And Sunnies Face is part of the Sunnies Group, which is known to have charitable donations, such as their Christmas giveaway Dear Sunnies Santa

By taking care of myself and supporting brands that do good, I know that I am doing the right thing with my limited resources. I hope that you will also find some brands that support others, and that you will continue paying for goodness to continue growing.  

Healthier and Happier

I had salad again yesterday! I wanted to eat healthful food again, so I had the Sicilian pasta from Juju Eats for lunch. 

It was refreshingly flavorful! 

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Then, I proceeded to Barkin’ Blends for some cuddle time with my furry friends. 

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It was a quick but therapeutic coffee break from my responsibilities.  

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After running some errands, I had dinner at Go! Salads, where I had the Sgt. Steak again. Their chimichurri dressing is addicting.  

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I can’t wait to see how this healthy eating spree goes. So far, I feel fresher and more vibrant now that I’m eating salads often. With some furry therapy and a some coffee, I know that I got this.  

Christmas Treat

I treated our helper to some fried chicken and ice cream the other night. It was our Christmas celebration, and my simple “thank you” for all her years of service to me and my family.  

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I also brought her to Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe to meet my furry friends. 

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Helpers are indeed part of the family, and we should all take time to show them how we appreciate them. Don’t forget to thank them and get to know them better! They’re an invaluable part of our lives.